Taking the GED test on the computer could be a blessing or a curse.
Director of public affairs for the GED testing service CT Turner said he has received positive feedback about the digital version.
He said adults are favoring the computer-based test because it is less stressful.
Brett Gerson said he would prefer taking a standardized test on the computer for this exact reason.
“The fact that I could start and stop the test when I wished reduces the stress of it,” said the 21-year-old UF business administration junior. “And I just hate filling out scantrons.”
But Turner said he doesn’t want people to be deceived.
Several websites have been charged for using the GED brand to push fake credentials.
Turner said the only way people can be sure they are taking the real GED test on a computer is to go to a GED test center.
He said other than the fraudulent online tests, the digital GED test has been a success and has cut test time by two and a half hours.
“The statistic I was most excited about was that about 60 percent of adults who tested on the computer were more likely to retake a failed test,” Turner said.
When the computer-based test is fully launched next year, the price will increase from $70 to about $130, Turner said.
Cheryl Etters, the press secretary for the Florida Department of Education, said the digital GED price might affect adults taking the test.
“The price could be a factor,” Etters said, “but we won’t know until it happens.”
